Buckthorn removal can be an overwhelming process. The best way to start is by evaluating your property. Check the area for young oaks, cherries and dogwoods. Mark these valuable trees with flagging and cage young oaks to protect them. Removing and controlling buckthorn will be a multiple year process, so don’t feel like you need to remove it all at once. To see the best way to prioritize your buckthorn removal, see the Buckthorn Removal Priority Chart.

Pulling buckthorn is the best method if:

If the buckthorn is small (1” in diameter or less).

If there is little desirable native plants in the area that may also be uprooted, like ferns and wildflowers.

The removal area is not sloped

Buckthorn can be pulled by hand or with a tool. After pulling buckthorn, shake the dirt from the roots and avoid allowing the roots to contact the soil, where it may be able to continue to grow. Make sure to firm up the soil that was disturbed by lightly tamping it down with your foot.

One tool that makes pulling buckthorn much easier is a weed wrench. These tools are available for a two week rental from the City for a returnable deposit of $150 dollars. These are available first come first serve so please call the natural resources department at 952-895-4543 to check availability.

What’s next?

The information provided in the links below will walk you through identifying, removing, treating with herbicide and what to do when buckthorn is gone. Want a shortened version? Click here for a two page identification and control guide.